An Army Contracting Command employee commemorated the hardships of the Bataan Death March and the lives to two Soldiers killed in Iraq.
Sonya Deluca, a contracting officer from ACC-Aberdeen Proving Ground's Huachuca, Arizona, Division, participated in the 26th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
"I was exhausted but proud that I participated to keep the Bataan Soldiers' story, character, and legacy alive," recalled DeLucia. "The march also provides a way to remember those currently serving and those who have lost their lives in recent times. The most important reason I participated this year was to march with my son who served two times in Iraq and is a Bronze Star Medal recipient. We memorialized two Army Soldiers who died during his unit's second deployment in 2008 and 2009, Cpl. James Hale and Cpl. Gary Moore."
DeLucia was part of an eight-member team, the Sierra Vista, Arizona Lollygaggers, who completed the honorary 14.2-mile route. There was also a full march route of 26.2 miles and both routes served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Soldiers during their long forced trek through the scorching heat of the Philippine jungles in 1942, according to DeLucia.
"This was my fifth time participating in the march," said DeLucia. "I've done the honorary route four times and the full route once. I like doing this event because it's not your typical marathon -- it combines a challenging and beautiful course with a tremendous patriotic event. It tests your endurance, as well as fills you with pride and understanding for the sacrifices of those who have gone before you."
The day of the event, the team gathered at 6:35 a.m. for the opening ceremony and the march began at 7 a.m. After walking for approximately five hours and enduring temperatures in the 90s, the team crossed the finished line.
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